Imperialism in Heart of Darkness

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Marlo Posadas Rodolfich AP English IV, 3rd 7 Mar 2012 Imperialism and Race in Heart of Darkness In the late nineteenth century, European trade companies had penetrated deep into the heart of Africa, establishing outposts for trade while claiming to aid the local African tribes by enlisting them for employment. However, those companies define ‘employment’ differently for those blacks than for their white workers. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness the racial contrast between Europe’s “white gods” and Africa’s black “brutes” fuels the machinery of European imperialism. This quest to civilize Africa ironically portrays Europe’s savagery in its attempt to bring light into the darkness. The arm of the Company that hires Marlow in Heart of Darkness reaches deep within the jungles of Africa, colonizing the natives of the land and trying to develop the uncivilized world. This imperialism of the Europeans reflects the conquering nature of the Romans in Marlow’s earlier description; the explorers “[bear] a spark from the sacred fire” and “[carry] the imperial torch,” illuminating the blackness of the wild (Conrad 5). The sacred fire for the Company’s employees would be the center of its imperialistic ways—London. They bring with them the light of London—the lifestyles and values that they wish to instill within the natives of Africa. These men believe, or at least claim, to be civilizing the African natives, eradicating their savage nature through suppressive governing. Lackey states that these “believers” must recreate the “infidels” to prevent them from “sinning against God” (25). Religion, a powerful influence in European culture, creates a resilient drive within these “[emissaries] of light” to subdue and alter the brutish ways of the African inhabitants (Conrad 17). Some proclaim the belief that they are guided by God’s will to change the lives of the natives.
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